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How to Force a Dormant Plum Tree to a Bud

By D.C. Winston; Updated September 21, 2017

The ability of a dormant plum tree to bloom relies heavily on its age, ambient cultural conditions and care for the year or more leading up to the traditional spring bloom period. Weather plays a key role, as does moisture, timing of pruning, and soil space and quality. Forcing a dormant tree to develop buds and bloom will require troubleshooting a number of factors to optimize the tree's health and well-being. Plum trees reach maturity and begin to flower and bear fruit consistently four to six years after being established in the soil.

Ensure that your plum tree is receiving a full sun exposure all day, every day. Sun will help to warm the soil and tree tissues, triggering a break from dormancy and encouraging bud formation and swelling. Prune away any overhanging branches from adjacent or nearby trees that may be blocking the sun from reaching your plum tree.

Water your plum tree regularly to keep the soil evenly moist at all times but not persistently soaking wet. Drought stress can limit bud development and bloom.

Mulch around the base of the tree with shredded bark or compost to keep all competitive weeds and plants at bay; pull any plants or weeds that develop under or near the tree. Organic mulch will also gently boost soil fertility without chemical fertilizers.

Fertilize your plum tree lightly and within the label-recommended dosage range for your fertilizer of choice. More fertilizer is not better, as too much nitrogen will work against you to impede the development of flower buds.

Things You Will Need

Organic mulch

Loppers

Pruning pole saw

Fertilizer

Tip

Refrain from pruning your plum tree for a full year to allow any buds that develop to remain on the tree and bloom. Prune only immediately after a successful bloom and fruiting period in the late summer or early fall.